Description
This Damn Good Chili is a thick, bold, and savory dish packed with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and a blend of robust spices. Perfectly suited for cozy dinners, game day gatherings, or chilly evenings, this chili offers comfort in a bowl with deep, rich flavors and satisfying texture.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed or diced tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth (or vegetable broth)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
Spices
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp oregano
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ⅛ tsp cayenne (optional for heat)
Optional Add-Ins
- 1 small jalapeño, diced
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (to balance acidity)
Optional Toppings
- Shredded cheddar
- Sour cream
- Green onions
- Tortilla chips or cornbread on the side
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: Heat a large pot over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook, breaking the meat into crumbles, until browned. Drain any excess fat if necessary to keep the chili from being greasy.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion, chopped bell pepper, minced garlic, and jalapeño if using to the pot. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
- Bloom Spices: Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using). Cook the spices with the vegetables for about 1 minute to release their full flavor.
- Add Liquids and Beans: Mix in the drained kidney beans, black beans, crushed or diced tomatoes, beef broth, and tomato paste. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and cook for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and help flavors meld.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning as needed—add more salt, spice, or sweetness with brown sugar to balance the flavors perfectly.
- Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your choice of shredded cheddar, sour cream, green onions, and serve alongside tortilla chips or cornbread.
Notes
- For thicker chili, simmer uncovered during the last 10 minutes to reduce liquid.
- For a deeper, more developed flavor, simmer for up to 1 hour or refrigerate overnight — it tastes even better the next day!
- To make it spicier, add chipotle peppers in adobo sauce or extra cayenne pepper.
- This recipe can be naturally gluten-free and dairy-free when you select appropriate toppings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Game Day
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex
